General Awareness ยท Social Science

Indian Music and Instruments

2,230 Questions

Indian music and instruments encompass a rich variety of traditional percussion, string, and wind tools used across regional cultures. This collection features questions on folk drums, devotional instruments, and classical accompaniments. It is a crucial Art and Culture topic for SSC, UPSC, and State PSC exams.

Traditional folk drumsDevotional music instrumentsClassical dance accompanimentPercussion instrumentsRegional musical instruments

Indian Music and Instruments Questions

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional musical instrument commonly used in Mohiniyattam performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

  4. Chenda
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Chenda is a traditional percussion instrument made of wood and leather, commonly used in Mohiniyattam and other classical dance forms of Kerala.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly associated with Indian trance music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Djembe

  4. Didgeridoo
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla, a pair of hand drums, is a prominent instrument in Indian trance music, providing rhythmic accompaniment and intricate patterns.

Multiple choice

Listen to this enchanting melody. Which instrument is known for producing this captivating sound?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Flute

  4. Violin
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The melody you heard is characteristic of the Sitar, a stringed instrument from India. Its distinctive sound is produced by plucking the strings with a wire plectrum, creating a rich and resonant tone.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Kashmiri musical instrument?

  1. Santoor

  2. Sarangi

  3. Tabla

  4. Sitar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Santoor is the name of the traditional Kashmiri musical instrument, which is a type of hammered dulcimer with a trapezoidal shape.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a traditional Indian theatre musical instrument?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Tabla, Sitar, and Sarangi are all traditional Indian theatre musical instruments. These instruments are played live during performances to provide accompaniment to the actors and dancers. They are chosen for their ability to create a captivating and immersive atmosphere.

Multiple choice

What are some of the traditional instruments used in Indian martial arts music?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Tabla, sitar, and dhol are all traditional instruments used in Indian martial arts music.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in Indian Lounge Music?

  1. Sitar

  2. Tabla

  3. Flute

  4. Sarangi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The sitar is a stringed instrument that is commonly used in Indian classical music and is also the primary instrument in Indian Lounge Music.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Indian string instrument often used in storytelling performances?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarangi

  4. Dholak
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The sarangi is a traditional Indian string instrument known for its expressive sound and is often used in storytelling performances.

Multiple choice

Which Indian musical instrument is commonly used in traditional sports and martial arts?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Dhol

  4. Sarangi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Dhol, a double-headed drum, is often used to accompany traditional sports and martial arts performances in India.

Multiple choice

In traditional Indian rituals, which instrument is played to create a rhythmic foundation for devotional songs?

  1. Tabla

  2. Sitar

  3. Mridangam

  4. Sarangi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The tabla is a pair of hand drums that are played in traditional Indian rituals and ceremonies. They are used to create a rhythmic foundation for devotional songs and dances.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a stringed instrument commonly used in Rajasthani folk music?

  1. Sarangi

  2. Tabla

  3. Dhol

  4. Sitar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a distinctive sound, often used in traditional Rajasthani folk music.

Multiple choice

The rhythmic beats of which instrument are often heard in Bhangra, a popular folk dance from Punjab?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

  4. Pakhawaj
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Dhol is a double-headed drum played with sticks, commonly used in Bhangra and other Punjabi folk music.

Multiple choice

The intricate and melodious sounds of which instrument are a staple in Carnatic music from South India?

  1. Veena

  2. Sitar

  3. Sarod

  4. Violin
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Veena is a plucked string instrument with a long history in Carnatic music, known for its complex melodies and rhythmic patterns.

Multiple choice

Which percussion instrument is commonly played in Hindustani classical music, accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists?

  1. Tabla

  2. Dholak

  3. Mridangam

  4. Pakhawaj
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Tabla is a pair of hand drums, widely used in Hindustani classical music to provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Multiple choice

The vibrant and energetic beats of which instrument are synonymous with Garba, a traditional Gujarati folk dance?

  1. Dhol

  2. Tabla

  3. Mridangam

  4. Dholki
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Dholki is a small hand drum, often played by women during Garba, creating a lively and rhythmic atmosphere.